Little Rock, Arkansas – Richard Green, Program Specialist with the Arkansas Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Mr. Jay Chesshir, President and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Tuesday, January 19, 2010.  The signing ceremony occurred at the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce Headquarters.  

The Statement of Support confirms that the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce joins other employers in pledging that:
• We fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA). 
• Our managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
• We will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

 “Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.  I am asking all Arkansas employers to review and amend their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA),” said Richard Green. “Many Arkansas employers provide ‘Above and Beyond’ support with pay differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits, which complement coverage provided by the military, when their employees are mobilized.”

When asked about the criteria, Green said “By meeting the Statement of Support criteria, The Little Rock Chamber of Commerce will stand proudly with its Guard and Reserve employees, who continue to answer their nation’s call to defend our way of life.  Their personal sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation. It is a tremendous asset to our ESGR Program to have the endorsement of the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce".

“Mr. Chesshir joins a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces,” added Green.  “By signing the Statement of Support, Mr. Chesshir is sending a clear message to the employees of Arkansas that while they are serving their country they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.”  

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflict through mediation. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.

As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of citizen warriors. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling Richard Green, Program Specialist of the Arkansas ESGR Committee, at 501-212-4096.